Written Directions
Start in Shawneetown, IL, and take IL-13 south to the Shawneetown Bridge over the Ohio River. Cross over into Kentucky, where the road becomes KY-56. Continue for 28.2 miles, then turn left onto US-41 ALT. In 4 miles, turn right to continue on KY-56. In 7.1 miles, turn left onto College St. (US-41). After 0.2 miles, turn right onto KY-56 (Jefferson St.). Continue for 7.7 miles, then turn left to continue on KY-56 for another 18.1 miles. Route ends at the roundabout intersection with KY-81.
Scenery
The route starts off crossing the Ohio River, then on through the rolling hills of western Kentucky south of the Ohio. The route mostly travels past open farm fields, with the occasional stand of trees or short stretch of tree lined road. It also passes through several small towns and communities along the route before ending on the outskirts of Owensboro.
Drive Enjoyment
This is generally a cruising route. The route is mostly straight sections with gentle, small elevation changes, with easy curves. The road surface is a mix of new rolled asphalt with older sections of patched and cracked asphalt.
Tourism Opportunities
The route starts on the historic Shawneetown Bridge (officially the Earle C. Clements Bridge), a steel truss bridge built in 1955, with a reputation as one of the "scariest" bridges on the Ohio River, due to its narrow width and height above the river. It passes the Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area, and the Harpe's Head Road State Historic Site at the intersection with US-41 ALT. The route end at the Owensboro-Davises County Regional Airport. There are restaurants and shops in the small towns along the route, and numerous tourist opportunities in Owensboro.
Motorcycle Road Additional info
This is a nice alternative route from southern Illinois to the Evansville/Owensboro area that avoids the highways.
